Scott Sudduth officially kicked off his campaign for re-election to the Jefferson County Board of Education this week.

“I am deeply committed to providing a quality public education for all our children. As a parent, I’m running for re-election because our children are West Virginia’s greatest asset. Our public education system must be one of our community’s highest priorities,” stated Sudduth.

“We have a duty to protect our students as well as teachers and school service personnel from violence and provide them with a safe classroom environment.” Sudduth worked with local law enforcement and is leading the effort to revise and improve emergency policies and procedures.

Sudduth led efforts to increase benefits to be more competitive with neighboring states, including; adding a tuition reimbursement benefit and creating a childcare benefit. With the county’s approval of table games, he and the Board worked tirelessly to shift excess levy funds previously dedicated for maintenance into additional salaries. Jefferson County teachers and personnel now receive a salary supplement from these local funds in addition to what the state legislature allocated last year.

“As a member of the Board, one of my most important responsibilities is to ensure that we are good stewards of the significant financial support we receive from local tax payers.” Sudduth wants to engage the public and increase transparency with the Board’s budget process and setting spending priorities.

A sixth-generation Jefferson Countian, Sudduth was first elected to the Jefferson County Board of Education in 2006, and again in 2010. His fellow Board members elected him Vice President of the Board last year. The father of two boys, he is the only parent currently on the Board. He is an active volunteer in the community, including 4-H and the youth basketball league.

Sudduth’s seat is one of three that will be up for election on May 13.

“We have made solid progress. We must keep up the momentum and raise the bar,” Sudduth said.